North Dakota aims to be 48th state with graduated drivers license program

Ever state in the union except for North Dakota, Arkansas and Kansas have a graduated drivers license (GDL) program. GDL programs add restrictions to those within the first few years of driving that include: night driving, driving with friends, and driving with distractions. The program would also increase the permit time frame from six months to a year, and require 50 hours of supervised behind the wheel practice.

While far from perfect, GDL programs do a lot to decrease car crashes within the first years of driving. Studies show anywhere from a 20-50% decrease in crashes for new drivers under the GDL programs. The success of the programs is why so many states have adopted them.

More information on the attempts to add GDL to North Dakota can be found in this editorial in the Grand Folks Herald: http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=106508